TNAG-0078-FCO40-114-Action-against-Communist-press-1967 — Page 109

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on social and economic grievances. This policy was reiterated ·

at a meeting of senior editorial staff of the Wen Wei Pao as

recently as the 13th October. It would seem from this, therefore,

that, in all probability, the tone of the newspapers will soften

again following the Minister's departure.

However, even if this

does occur, they will probably resume their calls for militant

action from time to time in future,

7

Due to a number of complicating factors, action

against the remaining communist newspapers has been inhibited in

These factors have been considered in depth before

the past.

but it is felt that the time is ripe for a re-examination.

3.

a)

b)

Advantages of Action

It would deny the communists one of their last

powerful weapons in the local confrontation;

it would provide a further demonstration to

the public that Government intends to maintain

the rule of law and stand firm against the

communist confrontation. This, in turn, would

no doubt influence the remaining 'fence sitters'

and encourage them to side with Government;

c)

it would enable Government to retain the

initiative at a time when action against

a)

communist premises is becoming increasingly

less productive;

it would remove one of the main driving

forces behind the present troubles, since the

exhortations to violence arouse not only the

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